Repair Windows Update and get it working again

A small, but significant number of people have problems with Windows Update and it produces error messages, gets stuck part way through a download, it keeps reinstalling the same update and more. Fix those Windows Update problems and restore your PC to full health.

Are you experiencing any of these problems or similar ones when using Windows Update? Here are a couple of methods that will get your PC running smoothly again.

Use the troubleshooter

A Windows Update Troubleshooter tool is available on the Microsoft website and there are versions for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1. Click the Run Now button and when the file has downloaded, just double it in the Downloads folder and follow the prompts. There is nothing to it really, but it can help in certain circumstances.

Windows 8 update repair

Another way to solve Windows Update problems in Windows 8 is with the DISM tool. DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. On Windows 8, hold down the Windows key and press S to open the search panel. Enter command prompt then right click it in the results and select Run as administrator.

At the command prompt, enter:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

The command takes several minutes to run, so be patient.

When it has finished, enter exit into the command prompt window to close it. Now you can try Windows Update again.

Windows 7 update repair

For Windows 7 update problems you can use the System Update Readiness tool. For 32-bit Windows 7 with service pack 1, click this link to download it. For 64-bit Windows 7 with service pack 1, download this file.

Run the program from the Downloads folder afterwards. It can take several minutes and there is little to see or do. Just wait until it has finished and then try Windows update again.